Most work places have an annual Christmas party, however the organiser is under a lot of responsibility. Whilst they may mainly be concerned with ensuring everyone has a good time, there are a number of very important health and safety obligations that also need to be considered. It is always safer and less responsibility to hold your office party at a bar, restaurant or hotel as their facilities are specifically designed for entertainment and leisure. However, if you do decide to host your Christmas party at the office, here are a few things to should take care of to avoid any accidents and liability.

Black Friday and Manic Monday have historically sent millions of shoppers all over the world into a buying frenzy. Have I missed it? What will be on sale? What if I can’t decide on the day? What if something goes wrong? What if I need more time?!

In many workplaces, employees are paid regular bonuses - including at Christmas. It's important to remember that these payments are in fact additional ‘bonus’ payments, and even though you have always been paid extra at Christmas, you may still have doubts about this year's payment.

The 25th November is the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women, the beginning of a 16 day campaign to raise awareness and further efforts to end violence towards women and girls all over the world. The day is not intended to give the impression that women do not use violence or that men are never victims, it merely recognises the hard truth that statistically men are the perpetrators and women and children, their victims. The term ‘violence’ is used broadly in this context, the range of behaviours used to control, degrade, humiliate and abuse women and children is not only physical, but also psychological and emotional. It is also unacceptable.